Health & Wellness

Port Jervis is committed to providing students with the education and support that meets their health and wellness needs. This commitment is reflected by our school nurses, wellness policy, health & physical education curricula, and attendance initiatives.

School Health Services

School health services are provided by professional registered nurses. Our school nurses have a multi-faceted role in our schools, one that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of students and their success in the learning process.

Contact your child's school nurse if you have questions about the Health Services offered by the PJSD. Additional information is also available by clicking the highlighted service.

Dental Health Certificates

New York State Education Law permits schools to request a dental examination report for all newly enrolled students, and for students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11. Dental Health Certificates (Private Dentist) are to be completed by parent or guardian and the child's dentist. Completed certificates should be sent to your school nurse. List of local dentists who may provide free or reduced cost examinations.

Health Screenings

New York State Education Law requires that schools provide the following health screenings:

  • Vision screening for all newly enrolled students, including color perception, distance acuity, near vision, and hyperopia; in addition, all students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 11, will be screened for distance acuity.
  •  Hearing screening for all newly enrolled students, as well as for students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 11.
  •  Scoliosis screening: Girls: grades 5 and 7; Boys: grade 9
  • Dental Health Screenings: requested in all newly enrolled students and in grades K, 1,3,5,7, and 11.

Parent(s) will be notified if there are any concerns during their child's screening. Results of all screenings will be documented in the student's school health record.

Immunization Requirements

New York State law requires all students to be immunized. Proof of immunization for new students must be presented for admission.  Please refer to the attached New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance.  

Please contact your school nurse for any questions or assistance.

Immunization Requirements Chart for School Entrance/Attendance

Medications in Schools

In order for the school nurse to give a student medications during school hours, the following requirements must be met:

  • All medications must be in their original pharmacy containers, which are properly labeled with the student's name, name of medication, dosage and the prescribing doctor's name. Over the counter medications (i.e., Tylenol, Advil, etc.) need to be in their original, unopened containers, marked with the student's name.
  •  Accompanying the medication must be the district Medication Release Form, signed by the parent and the prescribing physician with the student's name, name of medication, dosage, reason for prescribing the medication and possible adverse reactions. The physician is required to complete the lower half of the form and is required to make an "attestation" indicating whether the student is independent in their medication use with no assessment or intervention from the school staff. We are required, by law, to obtain an attestation to allow students to independently use and carry their medication during school hours, and we will contact the MD for this information if it is not supplied with the original order received. Medication Release Form
  • All medications must be hand-delivered to the school nurse by a parent or other responsible adult.
  • Any changes to the student's medication require a new signed Medication Release Form.
  • Medications must be picked up by an adult at the end of the school year or they will be discarded.

Physical Exam Requirements

A physical exam is required for all children entering this school system for the first time and for all children entering grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7,9 and 11. (For sports as needed per NYS regs). Proof of this exam must be a signed physician's physical appraisal form. [A physical exam performed within the 12 months prior to the start of the school year is acceptable. All forms are due by October.] If such an examination is not provided, the school is required by law to provide the exam at the school's expense. We prefer that parents make appointments to have the family doctor complete the physical as he/she will perform a more complete physical exam and will give the required immunizations.

Sports Physicals

Athletes must have a physical completed by the school doctor or a private physician prior to practicing or participating in a sport. Athletes must bring the following sports forms, signed by their parents, with them to the physical. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Amy Weinick, High School Nurse's Office at 845-858-3125.

Important Information for Athletes & Parents

New York State Agencies

Announcements

New York State Department of Health BMI Survey

For the 2021-2022 school year, the Port Jervis School District has been selected by the New York State Department of Health to take part in a survey that includes reporting to the NYS Department of Health information about our student’s weight status groups. Only summary information is sent to the state. No names and no information about individual students will be sent. The information sent to NYS Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier. You may, as a parent/guardian, choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report. If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information as a part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please complete the form found here and return it to your child's school nurse by December 3, 2021.

ASK: Vision and Hearing Screenings Notice

Student vision and hearing screenings will begin at ASK starting October 12, 2021.  Vision & Hearings screenings are done for all new entrants, K, 1, 3, & 5th grades.  Parents will be notified if follow up referrals are required.

High School Physicals

The medical director for the Port Jervis City School District, Dr. Sara Little, will be at the High School conducting physicals for any new entrant, 9th, or 11 grade student who has not submitted a physical for the 2020-2021 school year. Please reach out to school nurse, Melissa Leeper, if you wish to have your child's physical completed by their own physician. The physicals will begin the week of 4/26/21 and continue until completed.

Open Enrollment for ACA Health Insurance

You can sign up for NY State of Health Marketplace until March 31
For information, call 800-453-4666 or click here for the flyer.

Flu shots recommended for all kids

The Orange County Health Department is encouraging parents to get flu shots for their children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza for everyone, over 6 months of age.

  • Scoliosis screenings for girls ONLY in 5th grade will be done during the week of April 1, 2020.  If any abnormality is found, the parent/guardian will be notified.
  • Flu: Parent Letter from OC Health Commissioner
  • The Flu: A Guide for Parents
  • Flu Educational Material - from NY State Department of Health
  • CDC Web Site - Visit Flu.Gov for information on symptoms, prevention tips & treatment

More Information

School Nurse Directory

ASK Elementary School

Linda List
845-858-3100, Ext. 3700
Rhea Doto
845-858-3100, Ext. 3701
FAX: 845-858-2894

Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School

Allisha Richter
845-858-3100, Ext. 4700
FAX: 845-754-7355

Port Jervis Middle School

Lori Sexton
845-858-3100, Ext. 2700
FAX: 845-858-2895

Port Jervis High School

Amy Weinick
845-858-3100, Ext. 1700
FAX: 845-858-3113

Health Forms